Rub the wrong way?_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Rub the wrong way?

Yes, it is the same with humans. We all love to be cuddled and stroked, figuratively speaking, but not rubbed the wrong way. Let's take bosses, for example. All bosses love fawning subordinates, which is fine and natural. However, some sorry sycophants lack the tact to do it right. They either say wrong things or say the right things at the wrong moments or in front of the wrong people. Result: The poor boss bristles. In Chinese of course we have an apt saying describing this particular situation in "马屁拍到蹄子上". To put it in English word for word: Trying to pat the horse on the backside, you hit him on the hooves instead – so bear with it if the boss, er, kicks back at you.

Anyways, "rub the wrong way", "rub up the wrong way", "rub someone the wrong way" or "rub the wrong way with someone" all mean the same thing: you irritate, annoy and offend them by tactlessly handling a situation, especially a good situation.

Here are a few examples:

1. Rubbed the Wrong Way

She thought a massage would be soothing. Instead she ended up in pain. Here's one woman's account of what can go wrong in a massage – and what to know before you get one.

I'd just finished a book manuscript and wanted to reward myself. I envisioned something luxurious—something to soothe mind and body.

I came upon a brochure featuring a $155 spa sampler at a Georgetown salon and made an appointment. My visit was to include a 30-minute facial, a 30-minute massage, and a manicure and pedicure. I was especially looking forward to the massage and imagined leaving with a loosey-goosey glow that would linger for days.